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Houck - Seward AgencyHouck - Seward Agency
1940 Eggert Road
Amherst, New York 14226
Phone: (716) 835-2525
Fax: (716) 835-7808

Can a claim at my old house affect a policy at my new house?

March 31, 2016 -

Can a claim that occurred at your old house affect the premium for the policy at your new house?   Picture this: Our 2015 WNY winter was a tough one and the build-up of ice and snow caused your gutter and fascia board to separate from the house.  You reported the claim and your homeowner policy paid $1,200 to repair the damage.  A year or so later you decide to sell and move to a new house.  Imagine your surprise when you find that not only does the old claim appear in your claim history but it is adversely affecting the premium for your new homeowner policy!  I'm not making this up.  Just recently I quoted a homeowner policy for a person with two prior claims at his old house and found that only a few companies would write a policy for the new house and that the rate was significantly higher due to the claims.  What to do?  Keep your house in good condition, consider having a high deductible and refrain from reporting small property claims that you might be able to handle without going through insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional insurance advice. The content is not exhaustive and does not cover all potential situations. It is essential to review your specific insurance policy and discuss your individual circumstances with your insurance agent or broker. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified insurance professional to address your insurance needs and questions.

 
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